Agent: Porzingis 'wants to be a Knick, no question'

Jan 28 | 11:35PM

New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis warms up prior to taking on the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden. (Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports)

Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis, who is eligible to sign a max contract extension this summer, still has a desire to remain in New York, his agent and brother, Janis, told Newsday's Al Iannazzone.

"He wants to be a Knick, no question about it," Janis said. "He always wanted to be a Knick."

The 22-year-old Porzingis, the face of the Knicks since they traded Carmelo Anthony, has averaged 23.1 points and 6.7 rebounds en route to his first All-Star Game selection.

He has reiterated many times his desire to remain a Knick, and head coach Jeff Hornacek had also previously said he sees Porzingis as the centerpiece of the franchise for the foreseeable future.

Porzingis is in the third year of his rookie deal and the team picked up his 2018-19 team option already. Porzingis is earning $4.5 million this season and will earn $5.7 million next year. As of now, the team can extend a $7.5 million qualifying offer to him for the 2019-20 season, according to Spotrac, but New York can try to lock him up for longer.

Janis said in November Porzingis' priority isn't in the money, but rather winning.

"From their point of view," Janis said in November, "Kristaps is the focal point at the moment so you cannot upset him much or otherwise, at the end of the season, he will say 'it's not so cool here.' The second question is: Who is the New York audience coming to watch now? To a large extent, it's Kristaps. So the organization has to take that into account."

Porzingis, himself, had also previously said he would "absolutely" want to stay in New York for his entire career, but is focused more on getting the Knicks to the playoffs to win a title.

"Absolutely, I want to stay here all my career,'' Porzingis said last spring. "But the thing I want most of all is winning. When the time comes, I will seriously start to think about it. Right now I just try to do my best."

Boom or Bust: Knicks win 35 games or Melo comes off bench for Rockets?

The "Loud Mouths" crew discusses

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Will Melo accept a bench role?00:00:47

The Loud Mouths wonder whether the Knicks will win 35 games in 2019 and whether Carmelo Anthony will come off the bench for the Rockets.

Former Knick Carmelo Anthony officially signed with the Rockets on Monday. And though he may be a 10-time All-Star, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said to expect Melo to come off the bench for his new squad.

But that wasn't the biggest Knicks news around. On Sunday, Knicks first-rounder Kevin Knox commented on Vegas setting his team's win total at over/under 29 for the season. He wasn't too happy with the number.

"I saw that," he told The Post's Marc Berman. "People are sleeping on us with the 29 wins. I think we definitely can win at least 35 and get in that playoff talk. That's my personal opinion. Everyone has their own opinion. But the whole team, I'm pretty confident we're really good this year, that we have a chance to make the playoffs."

Houston intends to bring Melo off the bench this season

Aug 13 | 11:10AM

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Carmelo Anthony against the New Orleans Pelicans before tip off of a game at the Smoothie King Center. (Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports)

Former Knicks F Carmelo Anthony has traveled to Houston, and is expected to officially sign a one-year, $2.4 million deal with the Rockets on Monday, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

It has been an ongoing story all offseason as to where Anthony would land. The Hawks initially traded the Thunder for him, but was never going to keep him on the roster. Instead, they would buyout his contract, and allow the 34-year-old veteran to choose where he wanted to play next season.

The Rockets always seemed like the destination, and it is expected to be official after the completion of Anthony's physical today. Wojnarowski is also reporting that Houston intends to bring Melo off the bench. It will likely be PJ Tucker or Gerald Green who gets the start at small forward.

Do Knicks fans even want to see these Knicks on Christmas?

Knicks are set to take on the Bucks on Christmas Day

Marc Malusis and Jon Hein discuss whether the Knicks playing on Christmas Day is something to look forward to.

The NBA released it's annual Christmas Day schedule, and the Knicks have once again are among the teams playing. The Bucks are slated to come to town as one of the five NBA matchups for the holiday.

But do the Knicks deserve to continually play on Christmas considering their rebuilding process?

For the past few seasons, the Knicks have not been up to par with the other NBA teams that play on Christmas Day. Just look at last season when the Sixers -- who were one of the best teams in the East -- handed them a 105-98 loss on their home court. The Celtics won 119-114 the season before as well.

Former Knick Carmelo Anthony reportedly agrees with Rockets

Anthony was previously traded to the Hawks

Aug 7 | 11:58PM

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Carmelo Anthony against the New Orleans Pelicans before tip off of a game at the Smoothie King Center. (Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports)

Carmelo Anthony has agreed to sign with the Houston Rockets, reports Yahoo Sports.

Anthony told the Rockets of his decision upon his return from a trip to South Africa, according to the report.

Melo was previously traded from the Oklahoma City to Atlanta in a three team deal that involved Philadelphia as well. The plan was always for Atlanta to waive Carmelo while taking on his final year of his contract. Carmelo is set to join Chris Paul and James Harden in Houston as they look to avenge their seven game Western Conference Finals loss to the Warriors.

He is coming off of his worst season of his career in Oklahoma City and looks to bounce back from his astounding 16.8 points per game in the regular season. The Syracuse product dipped from his regular season total and scored 11.8 points per game throughout the postseason.

Why Vegas thinks the Knicks will win the same number of games as last year

New York over/under set at 29.5 games this season.

The Knicks made a few improvements this offseason, and have a new head coach in David Fizdale to lead the pack in the 2018-19 season. So why is it that Vegas believes they will virtually have the same season as last year?

New York finished 29-53 last season, and Westgate Last Vegas set their current over/under projection at 29.5 wins. That gives them the fifth-fewest wins among the 30 NBA teams.

But Vegas may have a point in thinking the Knicks will be the same below-average squad they were a year ago.

Former Knick Charlie Ward says Knox has 'right mentality' to be a star

"That's the kind of superstar you want -- a guy who will go about his business"

Aug 6 | 2:30PM

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Many Knicks fans are wondering if rookie F Kevin Knox is the team's next superstar. He showcased his scoring ability and knack for the highlight-reel play during the Las Vegas Summer League, and head coach David Fizdale has expressed his excitement to coach him this season.

Well, former Knicks PG Charlie Ward sees superstar written all over Knox. Ward not only knows the 18-year-old well, but he knows his father even better.

Kevin Knox Sr. was Ward's favorite target when he was quarterback at Florida State in the early 1990s. Ward knew the elder Knox to have a strong personality during their time on the field together, which is something he doesn't see in Knox Jr.

Joakim Noah working hard with Knicks' future in limbo

Noah was seen training with a former Knicks developmental coach

Aug 3 | 6:35PM

No one knows what the future holds for C Joakim Noah and the Knicks. An educated guess would be the Knicks trying to get his massive contract off their books, as they tried to do last season when he was dismissed from the team after a heated altercation with former head coach Jeff Hornacek.

But that hasn't stopped the veteran center from prepping for the new year. Noah was seen getting in rebounding work with former Knicks developmental coach Chris Brickley. He worked alongside Magic All-Star Aaron Gordon as well.

Fizdale's goal as new head coach: 'I want to take the Knicks to the championship'

Fizdale believes Porzingis is the key to success

Aug 1 | 11:35PM

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New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale smiles during a news conference, Tuesday, May 8, 2018, in New York. The Knicks hired Fizdale after agreeing to terms with the former Memphis Grizzlies coach last week. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (Mary Altaffer/AP)

Knicks head coach David Fizdale wakes up every morning with the same goal in mind.

"I want to take the Knicks to the championship," Fizdale told Latvian news outlet Sportacentrs.com. "This is my main and greatest goal -- to win the title for New York. Every morning is with this thought. Visiting Latvia and building of relationships with players so that they are more than simple coach-player relations, I believe that establishing such a link is a way to overcome the difficulties in the playoffs."

That is one lofty goal Fizdale set for himself given the Knicks haven't been to the Finals since their 1973 win. But he sees potential in his young crew to take him to the promise land.

"He's really understanding what it means to be a pro now"

Knicks' second-rounder C Mitchell Robinson certainly made his case for the Opening Day roster after his successful summer league campaign.

In fact, his trainer -- Marcell Scott -- thinks his showcased abilities in Las Vegas eliminated any chance of Robinson having to grow his skills in the G-League this season.

"I knew once they saw Mitchell on the court and saw all the stuff he brings to the table, the G-League would be eliminated from the conversation,'' Scott told The Post's Marc Berman. "I honestly think at the halfway mark, at the All-Star break, Mitch will be starting.''

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NBA announces MGM Resorts International as first gaming partner

MGM will be allowed to market NBA names, logos, etc.

Jul 31 | 2:35PM

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(Kirby Lee)

NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced Monday the league has found an official sports betting partner in MGM Resorts International.

In this deal, MGM will have the rights to use NBA highlights, names, logos and it's direct data feed. According to ESPN, the deal is worth at least $25 million over three years.

"Let's take advantage of this opportunity and do something historic," Silver said, referencing the conversation he had with MGM's CEO James Murren before the deal was eventually struck. "And that is to enter into the first commercial partnership between a gaming establishment and the NBA."

Knicks couldn't be happier about Fizdale's visit with Porzingis

Fizdale traveled to latvia with his wife to meet his new big man

The long-awaited visit between Knicks head coach David Fizdale and star forward Kristaps Porzingis has come to an end. And it was everything the Knicks hoped it would be.

Fizdale and his wife, Natasha, went overseas to visit Porzingis and his family in Latvia to get to know him on a more personal level, and develop what everyone hopes will be a healthy relationship for this season and more to come.

"It was important for Coach Fizdale to spend time with Kristaps and his family," an NBA source told The Post's Marc Berman. "It was an opportunity for both the coach and player to get to know each other on a more personal level and also talk basketball. It's part of establishing the type of culture and interaction necessary to building a strong foundation for this team in both the short and longer term."

Last summer, Scott Perry was ready to make the official move from Orlando to Sacramento to start his new journey as the VP of Basketball Operations with the Kings. But that's before Knicks president Steve Mills gave him a ring.

Perry had signed on with the Kings in April, but when Mills called about the GM role he currently holds in New York, he couldn't resist.

"So I started in Sacramento April 24," Perry told NorthJersey.com's Steve Popper. "And we go through the draft, we go through the free agency. I enjoyed my time there. We were actually in Las Vegas Summer League and I hear from Steve Mills, asking did I have an interest in the general manager's job. Obviously I did."

Knicks signing Noah Vonleh is low risk, high reward

Vonleh averaged 4.9 points and 5.8 rebounds last season

The Knicks' weak spot going into the 2018-19 season is clearly at power forward. With Kristaps Porzingis expected to miss at least half of the season with no timetable exactly set for his return, that leaves this team with a void. Signing Noah Vonleh makes perfect sense considering their lack of depth at the 4.

Either Mario Hezonja or Lance Thomas are expected to be the starting power forward on Day 1, which is not ideal. Both are 6-foot8 and will give the Knicks fits against bigger teams -- and most teams. Both are more small forwards than they are power forwards. Until Porzingis returns, expect Vonleh to have a pretty big role on this team. There's a good chance he plays around 20 minutes a night with a chance to earn a starting spot with a strong preseason.

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Knicks' Fizdale on Porzingis' rehab: 'We don't want to rush it'

Fizdale embraces Latvian culture, Porzingis' upbringing

Jul 27 | 11:01AM

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Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)

New Knicks head coach David Fizdale said he wanted to have a strong sense of communication with center Kristaps Porzingis, and visiting Porzingis' home in native Latvia has been a big step.

Fizdale has spent the past few days in Latvia with his wife and gotten to know Porzingis face-to-face as the All-Star center looks to return from a torn ACL.

"That's what's been great about this trip," Fizdale told a Latvian TV station, according to ESPN's Ian Begley. "You can dive right into it and really get to feel the culture and see his basketball world. See how people treat him in the city."

Here's five things you didn't know about Knicks' Mitchell Robinson

Robinson can dunk from the other 3-point line

Knicks second-rounder Mitchell Robinson turned some heads during his summer league appearances after showcasing his raw athletic abilities. And this is what New York hoped would happen for Robinson, who was considered a high-risk pick when they took him 36th overall back in June.

Why? Robinson was a bit of an unknown in this year's draft to say the least. Having not played at Western Kentucky as originally planned, Robinson worked out privately for the Draft instead. When he was selected, all fans knew about the 20-year-old was that he was 7-foot-1 with an athletic build, and would likely need some time to develop into an everyday player for the Knicks.

So, here are five other things you may not have known about the Knicks' new big man...

Knicks C Kristaps Porzingis is working to make sure his recovery from an ACL tear he suffered last season goes smoothly -- both physically and mentally.

"The scar is going to be there, but it's more important that the scar is not up in here [in my head], so when you get back out on the court, you don't even think about your knee," Porzingis said duing a video with The Players' Tribune video. "I've seen the play 1,000 times, I've seen the video. I know exactly how it felt, and I'm not shying away from it."

Porzingis' injury occurred on February 6 when he was dunking on Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Knicks have yet to announce a timetable for his return. In the meantime, Porzingis said he has taken up yoga.

The star of the Knicks Summer League, small forward Kevin Knox has been opening eyes on and off the court.

Knox led the way in Las Vegas for the Knicks, scoring 21.3 points per game in four appearances. That was the fourth-highest scoring in all of summer league. And Knox was the only rookie to eclipse the 20 points per game mark.

Knox has also been getting praise from GM Scott Perry. On ESPN's Get Up, Perry said he had been "pinching himself' and trying to keep in mind that his first round draft pick was still only 18.

It's no secret the Knicks are still in rebuilding mode this season. But next season -- the offseason in particular -- they are looking to make a big leap from bottom of the barrel team in the East, to a high-powered contender.

How? Taking advantage of a stout free-agent market.

Knicks C Enes Kanter may be gearing up for this season, but he does have his mind on future free agency that could see a couple All-Stars as new teammates by the end of it. It was reported earlier that Celtics PG Kyrie Irving and Timberwolves G Jimmy Butler have talked about teaming up together in the NBA, and New York could be that destination in 2019 when they both hit free agency.

Knicks PG Trey Burke was the latest NBA player to make a surprise trip to Harlem's famous Dyckman Park for a pickup game.

NBA stars like Kevin Durantand Terry Rozier have made Dyckman appearances this summer, and Burke took his shot on the court Friday night. WIth the crowd cheering him on, the Knicks' point guard dropped 35 points for his team, showcasing his speed and craftiness to the lane.

"The top guys have already been talking with their friends around the league," Schanowski said. "I'm sure Kawhi (Leonard) has already talked to LeBron (James) -- their plan to reunite or get together in Los Angeles in 2019. Klay Thompson will be a free agent in 2019. Most likely he's gonna stay right where he is with that dynasty out with the Warriors. And then you look at Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler talking about getting together somewhere. That could be with the Knicks or Nets."

The Thunder have traded Carmelo Anthony and a protected 2022 first-round pick to the Hawks for point guard Dennis Schroder and Mike Muscala, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

According to Wojnarowski, the Hawks will waive Anthony, who will be free to join the team of his choice -- with the Rockets the favorites to land him.

As part of the trade, Muscala will go to Philadelphia, the 76ers' Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot will be traded to the Thunder, and the 76ers' Justin Anderson will be traded to Atlanta, reports Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports...

How could Kawhi Leonard impact Knicks' Summer of 2019 plans?

Kawhi Leonard is headed north of the border along with Danny Green to play with Kyle Lowry. The the East wide open with LeBron James gone, and the Raptors are going all-in to try to get to the Finals. They did this trade pretty much knowing that Leonard could leave them next summer, and by all accounts it seems like he will.

Chris Haynes is reporting that Leonard has no desire to play in Toronto. If that is indeed the case, it means Leonard could join Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler, Kemba Walker and others in the free agent class of 2019. And Leonard being unhappy this season in Toronto puts the possibility of him going to the Knicks next summer very much in play.

With the Knicks potentially being able to bring in two max players, it would not be stunning for Leonard to think about coming to New York. One of the best situations possible for the Knicks is if they can end up signing both Leonard and Irving next summer, giving them a stacked big three of Irving, Leonard, and Kristaps Porzingis. Mix that with Kevin Knox with a year under his belt, Knicks fans would be drooling. It's not bonkers to think it's possible...

Knicks are the most valuable NBA franchise

New York is the seventh-most valuable franchise in the world at $3.6B

Jul 18 | 9:29AM

The Knicks may not be the best team in the NBA, but they are the most valuable.

According to Forbes, the Knicks are valued at $3.6 billion, making them the most valuable NBA franchise in 2018. They also come in at seventh overall in the world.

The biggest reason New York is at the top of the list is due to where they play. Madison Square Garden is still an extremely lucrative venue, and with a $1 billion renovation to its structure, the Knicks are still making tons of money.

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Knicks' Kevin Knox named to All-NBA Summer League first team

Knox averaged 21.3 points per game

Jul 17 | 6:15PM

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Knicks rookie Kevin Knox has been named to the All-NBA Summer League first team.

Knox impressed from the get-go during Las Vegas Summer League, scoring 22 points in his debut against the Atlanta Hawks.

Knox went on to average 21.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in four games. His 21.3 points per game ranked fourth among summer league players, with Josh Hart leading the pack with 24.2 points per game. Knox's 32.3 minutes per game ranked fifth.

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Knicks' Hardaway Jr. almost gave up on basketball: 'It was a dark period'

THJ can thank his All-Star father for helping him out from rock bottom

Rock bottom for Knicks G Tim Hardaway Jr. was a five-hour bus ride through the snow in Ohio. The young guard's dream of playing in the NBA was being questioned as he had just lost his G-League game with the Canton Charge. And not only did he lose, but he had a bad night on the stat sheet as well.

It was on that bus that Hardaway actually thought about quitting basketball.

"I was second-guessing myself at the time, thinking about if I really wanted to play," Hardaway told Newsday's Barbara Barker. "It was a dark period...

Two-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP, Kevin Durant, showed some love to one of New York City's basketball staples, as he made a surprise visit to Dyckman Park.

Durant was showered with cheers as he walked the legendary court, and he even knocked down a three for the crowd. Accompanied by Warriors teammate Quinn Cook, Durant watched a game and got into it at the end as he stood with the rest of the spectators.

CLICK BELOW TO SEE THE VIDEO

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Emergence of Knox, Robinson among five takeaways from Knicks Summer League

Allonzo Trier also opened eyes

Have the Knicks found their second star to pair with Kristaps Porzingis? And will taking a flier on a kid who hadn't played organized ball in over a year be a stroke of genius?

Here are five takeaways from the Knicks' Summer League...

Kevin Knox looks like a star

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Knicks waive F Troy Williams

Williams played well during their Summer League games

Jul 16 | 1:33PM

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(Adam Hunger)

The Knicks announced they have waived F Troy Williams on Monday. Williams had just completed the Summer League with New York in Las Vegas.

Had to waive or trade a player to satisfy roster rules, it was Williams who got the boot. The 6-foot-7 forward came to the Knicks last year on a 10-day contract. He would sign yet another one as they were impressed with his play.

The 23-year-old played in 17 games with the Knicks, averaging 7.5 points over 17.1 minutes per game.

The star, rumored to be disgruntled with his situation in Minnesota, has reportedly turned down a 4-year, $110 million contract extension with the Timberwolves, according to Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News. Butler can become a free agent next season and the Knicks are expected to pursue his signature.

Butler was an All-Star last year, his first season with the Timberwolves. He averaged 22.2 points, 4.9 assists and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 35 percent from three.

Butler fueled the fire earlier this week by liking an Instagram comment calling for him and Kyrie Irving, who can also become a free agent next season, to join the Knicks. But he also liked an Instagram post earlier this week of him in a Spurs jersey.

Knox's early Knicks success is nothing new to his college teammate

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander knows where Knox can improve too

Jul 13 | 7:37PM

Knicks' first-rounder Kevin Knox has been taking the NBA world by storm. Well, at least the NBA Summer League for now.

Knox has shined in his first games as a Knick, and to his former college teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it doesn't come as a surprise. These two Kentucky Wildcats were both lottery picks, with Gilgeous-Alexander going to the Clippers.

Having ran the point for Kentucky, Gilgeous-Alexander knows what Knox is capable of on the floor. And there is more to what Knicks fans have seen so far from the 6-foot-9 forward.

Robinson had another double-double on his stat line by the end of the contest against the Pelicans, as he collected 14 points and 12 rebounds. He also had another solid defensive performance with 5 blocks.

Greg Anthony talks Durant to Knicks, Knox, and more

Anthony also compared Knox to a young Durant

Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant reacts after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, May 31, 2018. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. -- Kevin Durant made a surprise appearance here at the Nike Peach Jam on Friday. Whether he ever makes an appearance in Knicks colors remains to be seen, but former New York point guard Greg Anthony believes the team will be attractive to free agents in 2019.

"Listen, there's going to be a lot of A-list guys that are going to be available, and just like with the Lakers, New York is an incredible environment," Anthony told SNY.tv. "If you can be a star there, I'm sure those guys are all going to take that stuff into consideration."

Knicks' Perry wants to keep 'options open' for rest of offseason

The Knicks have long been more interested in next summer than this offseason

Jul 13 | 9:40AM

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New York Knicks president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry speak to the media on media day at MSG Training Center. (Brad Penner/USA Today Sports Images)

Everything the Knicks have done this summer has been with two eyes on next summer. All the decision-makers in the organization have been consistent with that message.

But that doesn't mean the Knicks' roster for next season is already locked in, despite the team having 16 players under contract already. GM Scott Perry insists that the team's options are always open.

"We always will keep our options open. But we're not going to sign someone for the sake of signing him," Perry said...

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Knicks' Mitchell Robinson puts on a show in Summer League loss to Celtics

Knicks will go after Kevin Durant, who says he can play 'anywhere in the world'

Durant has a player option for the 2019-20 season

Jun 8, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts in a timeout during the third quarter in game four of the 2018 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports (Ken Blaze)

The Knicks will go after Kevin Durant if he elects free agency in the summer of 2019, and ESPN's Zach Lowe put some interesting pieces in place.

"People who have spent years around Durant can't say for sure what he wants from the game," Lowe writes. "It's unclear if he knows. Some of those people predict, if you force them, that he will one day leave Golden State for a team that can be truly his."

Lowe goes on to note that Durant's business manager is from New York and that Knicks GM Scott Perry was an executive with the SuperSonics when they drafted Durant and "remains close with him."

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Knicks' Ntilikina, Hezonja have a little wager for FIFA World Cup Final

Their home countries -- France and Croatia -- are playing in the match

Jul 12 | 1:56PM

Many athletes around the world have FIFA World Cup fever, but none other than Knicks teammates Frank Ntilikina and Mario Hezonja. They even have a side bet on the final match.

Ntilikina's France and Hezonja's Croatia have made it to the final, and both players want to make things even more interesting. A Knicks fan took to Twitter to propose a bet where the loser of the match has to wear an entire outfit with the opposing team's flag design on it through Manhattan for a day with cameras following.

MSG Networks, who airs the Knicks games, responded to the tweet saying they would be willing to do so. Ntilikina then picked up the bet, and sent the wager to Hezonja...